All aboard as new Brighton trains roll into depot

The first of a new fleet of Thameslink trains which will reduce pressures on the Brighton Mainline have arrived in Sussex.

The Siemens-built Class 700 train arrived in the early hours of the morning last Friday, it will be stored at a newly built depot at Three Bridges while further testing gets underway.

Designed to improve the customer experience the carriages feature wider doors, open through-carriages and more seats.

Iain Smith, Programme Director of the Thameslink Rolling Stock Project at Siemens, said:

“The arrival of the first train into Three Bridges is a real milestone for Thameslink and is a hugely exciting moment for us at Siemens. It signifies major progress towards the transformation of the Thameslink services, a step change in the passenger experience and a real sense of the future.”

The new rolling stock forms part of the Thameslink Program, which by 2018 will:

In welcoming the new trains, GTR’s Programme Director Keith Wallace, added:

“The new Class 700 trains will bring many changes and benefits to our passengers – from more frequent services on longer trains, to greater capacity, easier access, better on-board information, and an altogether better train environment. We’re looking forward to our passengers seeing them in service next spring.”

Passengers will benefit from the new trains between Brighton and Bedford in spring 2016.